National Parks in Oceania
The Australasia and South Pacific region has a variety of landscape from desert plains to untouched islands and within the spectacular scenery are a plethora of amazing national parks.
Australia is home to many national parks including: the dramatic Blue Mountains, Uluru, or Ayers Rock; the Flinders Range in South Australia and Southwest National Park in Tasmania.
New Zealand has the beautiful Tongariro National Park, which has two active volcanoes and also Arthur‘s Pass situated high in the Alpine Mountains in the South Island. In Papua New Guinea, magnificent wildlife and fauna can be seen at Varirata National Park.
Uluru National Park, Australia: Uluru National Park is home to the famous Ayers Rock, the world’s largest monolith and also a sacred Aboriginal site. Throughout the park breathtaking scenery and activities including climbing, walking and wildlife watching are in abundance.
Tongariro National Park, New Zealand: The first national park given to the people of New Zealand by the native Maori people, Tongariro is blessed with spectacular mountains, lakes, forests and two active volcanoes. It is also home to the most extensive ski fields of the North Island.
Varirata National Park, Papua New Guinea: Just 15 miles from Port Moresby, Varirata National Park is a beautiful display of flora and fauna native to Papua New Guinea. The varied landscape has many wild animals including salt-water crocodiles and colorful native birds. The park has great camping and picnic facilities, making it a perfect place for family holidays.
Blue Mountains, Australia: The Blue Mountain’s National Park is located approximately two hours’ drive from Sydney. The area has dense eucalyptus trees, streams, sandstone canyons and high mountains along with a plethora of wildlife. With great campsites, bush walking trails and rock climbing opportunities, the Blue Mountains are perfect for an adventurous holiday.
Kosciusko, Australia: Situated in the highest mountains of Australia, Mount Kosciusko is 302 miles southwest of Sydney. Great outdoor activities can be enjoyed year round with skiing in winter, and bushwalking, fishing and climbing in the warmer months.
Arthur’s Pass National Park, New Zealand: Positioned west of Christchurch, Arthur’s Pass National Park and surrounding areas boast stunning alpine scenery with amazing mountains, dense forests and large open fields. The ‘TranzAlpine’ train travels through the national park and is great for seeing many of the most beautiful spots.
Norfolk Island National Park, South Pacific: Situated between the east coast of Australia and the west coast of New Zealand, Norfolk Island is a natural paradise with spectacular scenery and a plethora of magnificent wildlife. There are over 180 native plant species to see along the excellent walking trails through the forests of the island.
Flinders Range, Australia: Positioned in South Australia, the Flinders Range is home to magnificent gorges and rock formations, rugged ranges, colorful wildflowers and beautiful Aboriginal rock paintings. The best time to visit is between March and December when cooler weather makes activities such as climbing, trekking and bird watching more enjoyable.
Paparoa National Park, New Zealand: Paparoa National Park lies along the scenic west coast of New Zealand. Wild ocean swells batter the coast with many spectacular blowholes and huge water sprouts to see. Numerous inland waterways with trekking trails are popular with adventurous tourists.
Southwest National Park - Tasmania, Australia: Located just 70 miles west of Hobart, Southwest National Park is Tasmania’s largest wilderness park. With beautiful valleys, spectacular mountains and pristine walking trails, which pass through rainforests and along beaches, the park offers guests an amazing experience.